Herschel Walker marks yet another entry into the misguided pro-athlete-decides-he-can-fight-in-the-octagon career move, as he has just signed with Strikeforce, a popular Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organization. The former NFL running back (and Heisman Trophy winner), having played for the Cowboys, Vikings, Eagles and Giants, finalized the deal over the weekend and is expected to spend the next 8 to 12 weeks training at the American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, California in preparation. While no events have been planned yet, he is expected to make his debut sometime in 2010.
Speaking on the matter Mike Afrowitz, Strikeforce’s director of communications, had this to say: “This isn’t a publicity stunt or a gimmick. Herschel walker has tremendous athleticism, and he has always shown that off the gridiron. He’s accomplished a lot in his life and in the world of sports. His accomplishments speak for themselves, and we hope that his athleticism can transition into a successful MMA career.”
Herschel is optimistic too, adding: “I will go in there and test myself against any 20 year old. I know there will be naysayers and I’m fine with that. I want to prove to people who sit on a couch and don’t do anything but criticize other people that, if you’re a true athlete or martial artist, you’re not old until you can’t get up and walk around anymore. MMA fighters are said to be some of the best athletes in the world, my plan at the age of 47 is to show the world I am still one of the best athletes as well.”
So what do we think about all of this? Well, to start, Herschel Walker is incredibly talented, is in great shape and has already proven himself in other sports more than once – including a seventh place finish in the two-man bobsled event at the 1992 Winter Olympics. He’s also a 6th degree black belt in taekwondo and apparently has been practicing for quite some time.
That said, dude is far from his prime (see photo above), he’s now 47 and he will be fighting in the heavyweight division. That means other he’ll be fighting dudes half his age and weighing in at over 205 pounds. And not just any dudes either, rather they’ll be super-talented, tough and athletic dudes who’ve been training day-in and day-out for years. Sorry Herschel, your taekwondo’s just not gonna cut it. You’re going to get beat, and bad.
Seriously though, has any “celebrity” athlete turned MMA fighter actually had a successful career? After all, there’s a reason Strikeforce’s publicity team is leading out with, “this is not a stunt! or a gimmick!” What’s that old Shakespeare line? “Mike Afrowitz dost protest too much?” Sounds about right.
Comments
Brian
September 21st, 2009 - 3:06:29 PM
Great athlete, but I agree, Herschel has no business in the MMA.